Splurge vs Steal: A Parsons Bookcase

I love open shelves for their practical nature and the ability to use them as storage and as a design feature.

I saw this bookcase on amazon and I love its bright colors and the thickness of its build . Its made by the Home Decorators Collection and is reasonably price at $173.99 (don’t you love it when manufacturer’s put random pricing on things??!)

Parsons bookcase

It reminds me so much of another named parsons bookcase avail from West Elm. This shelving unit is much more expensive at $549 but it is a bigger piece and is made of high quality engineered wood.

West Elm Parsons Tower

What do you think- is it worth the extra money to buy something more sturdy and bigger?